stand the test of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand the test of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has endured through the years and is still relevant or meaningful. For example, you might say, "This classic song has stood the test of time and remains popular today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Will those stand the test of time?

The New York Times

Will that stand the test of time?

The Guardian

They won't stand the test of time.

The Guardian

Will Vine stand the test of time?

The Guardian - Tech

It will stand the test of time.

The Guardian - Books

He wants his work to stand the test of time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But will these clothes really stand the test of time?

The New York Times

Time Out would stand the test of time anyway.

The Guardian - Film

And it would stand the test of time, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"Phones don't stand the test of time," Mr. Donovan said.

The New York Times - Tech

The images will stand the test of time".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand the test of time" to emphasize the enduring quality or relevance of something, whether it's a product, idea, or relationship. For instance, "The principles of effective leadership stand the test of time."

Common error

Avoid using "stand the test of time" prematurely. Ensure enough time has passed to reasonably assess the longevity of what you're describing. For example, it's more appropriate to say a building from the 1800s stands the test of time than one constructed last year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand the test of time" functions as an idiomatic expression. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the ability of something to remain valuable, relevant, or effective over a long period. It typically acts as a predicate, modifying a noun or subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand the test of time" is a common idiom used to describe something that has remained valuable, relevant, or effective over a long period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase conveys the enduring quality and resilience of a subject. While it fits well in neutral and professional settings, it avoids the overtly casual tone. When writing, ensure enough time has passed before using the phrase, and consider related phrases like "endure over time" or "withstand the passage of time" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withstand the passage of time

More formal, emphasizing resistance against the effects of time's progression.

endure over time

Focuses on the action of withstanding the effects of time; less idiomatic.

persist through the ages

Suggests a continuous existence or effect across long spans of time.

prove to be lasting

Emphasizes the demonstration of durability rather than inherent quality.

maintain its significance

Focuses on retaining importance or value over an extended period.

remain relevant throughout the years

Highlights the continued applicability and importance over a prolonged period.

have a lasting impact

Shifts focus to the significant and enduring effect something has.

be timeless

Simple and direct, suggesting the quality of being unaffected by time.

be remembered for ages

Highlights that the item will not be forgotten in time.

outlive its contemporaries

Highlights that the item is better than similar items.

FAQs

How can I use "stand the test of time" in a sentence?

You can use "stand the test of time" to describe something that has remained valuable or effective over many years. For example, "Classical music continues to "stand the test of time" because of its universal themes and timeless melodies."

What does it mean for something to "stand the test of time"?

When something "stands the test of time", it means it has proven to be durable, reliable, and valuable over a long period. It implies that the item or concept has not diminished in quality or importance despite changes in society, technology, or culture.

What can I say instead of "stand the test of time"?

You can use alternatives like "endure over time", "remain relevant throughout the years", or "withstand the passage of time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "stand the test of time" for recent events or trends?

It's generally more appropriate to use "stand the test of time" for things that have existed for a considerable period. Applying it to recent events or trends may be premature, as their long-term impact is yet to be determined. You can't know if current things will endure over time.